While there is no definitive "cure" for borderline personality disorder (BPD), it can be effectively treated and managed to the point where symptoms are significantly reduced or go away entirely (remission). Recovery is not only possible but common with appropriate, evidence-based treatment and a strong commitment to the process.
Many people with borderline personality disorder (BPD) often encounter difficulty with relationships, mood swings, and abandonment issues. However, this does not mean a person with this disorder cannot live a healthy life. In fact, several people diagnosed with BPD are high-functioning individuals.
Emotional Amplification That's Hard to Control
Having BPD is often described as having emotions without skin. Everything feels more intense, more urgent, and more overwhelming than it seems to for other people. A criticism that might roll off someone else's back can feel devastating.
People with borderline personality disorder have a strong fear of abandonment or being left alone. Even though they want to have loving and lasting relationships, the fear of being abandoned often leads to mood swings and anger. It also leads to impulsiveness and self-injury that may push others away.
How can I help myself in the longer term?
Clinicians can be reluctant to make a diagnosis of borderline personality disorder (BPD). One reason is that BPD is a complex syndrome with symptoms that overlap many Axis I disorders. This paper will examine interfaces between BPD and depression, between BPD and bipolar disorder, and between BPD and psychoses.
Some of the most commonly-prescribed anti-anxiety disorder medications used to treat symptoms of BPD include:
Up to 50% of people with Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) experience psychotic symptoms like hallucinations and paranoid thoughts. BPD-related psychosis typically differs from other psychotic disorders as symptoms are usually brief, stress-triggered, and the person often maintains some reality testing.
Self-mutilation and suicide attempts are among the most dramatic symptoms of borderline personality disorder (BPD). Clinical experience suggests that they are also one of the main reasons for psychiatric hospitalizations and other costly forms of treatment, such as day or residential programs.
Most splitting episodes of BPD do not come with a specific time limit, and they may last anywhere from a few hours or days to a few months. Sometimes, a person suffering from BPD may split between a situation, item, or person forever and may never return from their extreme view.
BPD can be a serious condition, and many people with the condition self-harm and attempt suicide.
Fear of Abandonment & Being Alone
For many with BPD, the fear of abandonment represents one of the most challenging aspects of living alone. This core symptom can trigger intense emotional responses when physically separated from others for extended periods.
Many Autistic people are misdiagnosed with borderline/emotionally unstable personality disorder (BPD/EUPD), with most professionals preferring to accept the initial diagnosis rather than acknowledging the realities of what it means to be Autistic.
In general, the BPD group was faster to remit than the comparison group of patients with other PDs. Taken together, these results suggest that patients with BPD are able to achieve remission of symptoms, and that the longer the remission lasts, the lower the risk of relapse.
Curiosity – Being extra sensitive and connection emotions, senses and surroundings allows for greater curiosity in the minds of those with BPD. Bold – Impulsivity is a BPD trait that can be positively linked to being bold, courageous and having the ability to speak one's mind.
Why BPD Symptoms Peak in Early Adulthood. In the 20s, identity formation and independence conflict with emotional vulnerability. Research shows impulsivity and mood swings occur most frequently between the ages of 18-25.
The Shame Spiral
Many people with BPD develop intense shame about their emotional intensity, especially after others have repeatedly told them they're “too much” or “too sensitive.” This shame then becomes another intense emotion to manage, creating a vicious cycle.
Borderline personality disorder is mainly treated using psychotherapy, which also is known as talk therapy. But medicine may be added. Your doctor also may recommend that you stay in the hospital if your safety is at risk. Treatment can help you learn skills to manage and cope with your condition.
BPD is characterized by dramatic and emotional moods. Most people who struggle with it also display attention-seeking behavior.
While psychopathy and BPD share characteristics such as impulsivity, they are distinct disorders with unique features. Psychopathy is often associated with a lack of empathy and remorse, manipulative behavior, and a grandiose sense of self-worth.
Between 50% and 90% of patients with BPD report hearing voices that other people do not hear (Yee et al., 2005; Kingdon et al., 2010). Importantly, such auditory verbal hallucinations (AVH) are a risk factor for suicide plans, attempts, and hospitalization (Miller et al., 1993; Zonnenberg et al., 2016).
Trust issues often surface in individuals with Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD), making interpersonal relationships challenging and tumultuous. BPD is a mental health disorder characterized by instability in moods, behavior, self-image, and interpersonal relationships.
But there are lots of positive things you can do to support them:
Due to high comorbidity of BPD with addictive disorders, use of substances with high dependence potential should be avoided if possible. The use of unsafe drugs with risk of overdose (tricyclic antidepressants [TCAs], monoamine oxidase inhibitors [MAOIs]) should be avoided.
DBT is the most studied treatment for BPD and the one shown to be most effective. Mentalization-based therapy (MBT) is a talk therapy that helps people identify and understand what others might be thinking and feeling.